Rosemary Pitman, the second wife of Andrew Parker Bowles, the former husband of Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, died on January 10, 2010, at the age of 69. She had been battling cancer for several years, but never gave up hope or lost her spirit. In this article, we will look at her life, her marriage, and her struggle with the disease that took her away.
Early Life and First Marriage
Rosemary Pitman was born in 1940 as Rosemary Dickinson. She grew up in a wealthy family and attended the prestigious St Mary’s School in Ascot. She married Lieutenant-Colonel John Hugh Pitman, a descendant of Sir Isaac Pitman, the inventor of shorthand, in 1961. They had three children together: Henry, Ben, and Kate. Rosemary was a talented garden designer and won several awards for her work. She also had a passion for horses and was a keen rider.
Marriage to Andrew Parker Bowles
Rosemary met Andrew Parker Bowles, a former officer of the Blues and Royals regiment, in the late 1980s. They had both been divorced from their first spouses by then. Andrew had been married to Camilla Shand, who later became the wife of Prince Charles, for 25 years. They had two children: Tom, a food writer, and Laura, an art gallery owner. Rosemary and Andrew married in 1996, in a low-key ceremony at the Chelsea Register Office. They were both devout Catholics and had their marriage blessed by the Church later that year.
Rosemary and Andrew had a happy and harmonious relationship. They shared many interests, such as gardening, hunting, and polo. They also maintained a friendly relationship with their ex-spouses and their children. Rosemary and Andrew joined Prince Charles and Camilla at Sandringham on several occasions. They also attended their wedding in 2005. Andrew was also close to Princess Anne, who he had dated in 1970. Princess Anne was among the mourners at Rosemary’s funeral.
Battle with Cancer
Rosemary was diagnosed with cancer in the early 2000s. She underwent several treatments, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but the disease proved to be aggressive and incurable. She faced her illness with courage and grace, never losing her sense of humor or her zest for life. She continued to enjoy her hobbies and spend time with her family and friends. She was especially delighted to see the birth of her grandchildren, including Laura’s twins Louis and Gus, who were born just two weeks before her death.
Rosemary died at home on January 10, 2010, surrounded by her loved ones. She was cremated at a private ceremony and her ashes were scattered in her garden. A funeral service was held at St Aldhem’s Catholic Church in Malmesbury on January 19, 2010. A thanksgiving service was held in London in March 2010.
Rosemary Pitman was a remarkable woman who lived a full and rich life. She was admired for her beauty, talent, generosity, and faith. She was loved by her husband, children, grandchildren, stepchildren, friends, and many others who knew her. She left behind a legacy of grace and courage that will always be remembered.
